Jay Stansfield issues clear Birmingham City stance after Ipswich Town and Sunderland links

Jay Stansfield, currently on loan from Fulham to Birmingham City, has made it clear that he had no intention of leaving Birmingham during the January transfer window, despite interest from clubs like Ipswich Town and Sunderland.

Since joining Birmingham on a season-long loan in the summer, the 21-year-old striker has been a standout performer, impressing with 11 goals in 41 appearances despite the club experiencing a turbulent season marked by multiple managerial changes.

Despite the managerial turnover, which saw John Eustace, Wayne Rooney, Tony Mowbray, Mark Venus, and now Gary Rowett taking charge at different points in the season, Stansfield has remained a key figure in the team. His consistent presence and goal-scoring contributions have been crucial for Birmingham City as they strive to secure their Championship status.

Stansfield’s latest goal, which came from capitalizing on a mistake by Preston North End, secured a vital victory for Birmingham on Easter Monday. This win ended a four-game losing streak and helped move Gary Rowett’s side two points clear of the relegation zone.

Stansfield’s commitment to Birmingham City and his impressive performances on the pitch have endeared him to the club’s supporters, and his goals will be crucial in the team’s efforts to avoid relegation from the Championship.

With six games left of the season, they still have a long way to go to secure Championship survival and Stansfield could prove to be a key factor in the final weeks of the 2023/24 campaign.

Jay Stansfield never wanted to leave Birmingham City

Had things played out a little differently, however, the Fulham loanee could be pulling on a different club’s shirt for the run-in.

Rumours swirled in January about a potential recall and there was plenty of interest from the second tier – with promotion hopefuls Ipswich and play-off chasers Sunderland both said to be keen on the forward.

Stansfield’s decision to remain at Birmingham City has brought relief to the club’s supporters, who were anxious about his future. Following Monday’s victory, Stansfield disclosed that he had always intended to stay at St Andrew’s.

In an interview with Birmingham Live, Stansfield stated, “At the start of the season I signed for a season on loan and that was my only aim.” His commitment to the club remained unwavering despite any uncertainties surrounding his future.

Acknowledging the influence of manager Tony Mowbray, Stansfield expressed his admiration, emphasizing Mowbray’s positive impact on the team. He also recognized Birmingham City’s stature as a significant club, citing past players who have emerged from the club’s ranks and the talent that has progressed to the Premier League.

While admitting that the season has been challenging for Birmingham, Stansfield believes that the difficulties encountered have contributed to his personal growth and development as a player. He described the season as a learning experience, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work under various managers and absorb valuable lessons from each one.

Stansfield’s resilience and determination to continue improving despite the challenges faced by Birmingham City reflect his commitment to the club’s success and his own progression as a footballer.

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